Caring for your Duradek
Vinyl decking is a low-maintenance surface, but it does require a bit of routine care to keep it looking great and performing at its best. More importantly, regular care helps protect your warranty coverage.
There are two key homeowner responsibilities:
Seasonal Cleaning
We recommend cleaning your vinyl deck four times a year using Duradek Deck Cleaner. It’s formulated specifically for vinyl and won’t leave behind any residue that could damage the surface over time. You can order it online, through your Duradek dealer, or from a regional distributor.
How to Clean Your Deck
Scrub: Mix the cleaner according to label instructions. Use warm water and a stiff-bristled brush or broom, scrubbing in circular motions to loosen dirt in the textured surface.
Rinse: Use a garden hose or a pressure washer (no more than 1500psi, avoiding seams, railing attachments, or areas with caulking) held at least 12 inches from the surface.
It’s best to clean up spills and organic debris right away instead of waiting for your next scheduled wash. In areas affected by acid rain or heavy pollution, more frequent cleaning may be needed.
Annual Inspection
The only other deck maintenance for Duradek vinyl decks besides cleaning is your annual inspection. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to inspect the caulking used to seal around posts, pillars, corners, vents, drains, and any other area of the deck that has caulking.
Over time, the structure to which the vinyl sheeting is applied can crack, shrink or shift which can break the caulking seal. A yearly inspection will uncover such a problem and your Duradek contractor can recommend or supply the proper sealant to correct it.
Duradek Vinyl
Deck Cleaner
Duradek Vinyl Cleaner is specially formulated to care for your deck without damaging the membrane. It’s the safest and most effective way to keep your vinyl looking great year-round.
Duradek Cleaner can be ordered online, purchased through your authorized dealer, or the distributor nearest you.
Locate a Distributor
North Kansas City, MO: Duradek US Head Office – 1-800-338-3568
Auburn, WA: Duradek Northwest – 253-939-5900
Centerville, UT: Duradek of Utah – 801-298-1950
Easton, PA: Duradek Northeast / Specialty Building Systems – 610-954-0595
Glen Burnie, MD: Duradek MidAtlantic – 410-787-2823
Commerce City, CO: Duradek of Colorado – 303-923-3655
Surrey, BC: Duradek Canada Head Office – 1-866-591-5594
Saskatoon, SK: Saskatoon Deck Shop – 306-664-0095
Sunnyside, MB: Windeck Ltd. – 204-231-2741
Kitchener, ON: Rockway Building Supplies – 519-570-2186
Scarborough, ON: Raildek Distribution – 416-289-6199
Provost, QC: Technidek Inc. – 514-383-3549
How to Protect and Care for Your Deck
Duradek is built tough to handle outdoor conditions, but following a few simple steps will keep your deck looking great and prevent avoidable damage.
FURNISHINGS
Mats & Furniture
Always choose non-rubber-backed mats (polypropylene is ok). Rubber-backed mats will stain the vinyl surface.
Avoid dragging heavy or sharp-edged furniture across the deck, and use protective pads or vinyl offcuts under metal planters or barbecues.
SNOW & ICE
Winter Care
Use only plastic snow shovels to clear snow. Avoid snowblowers, which can damage your deck’s finish.
Safe de-icing products like rock salt or gravel-style kitty litter can be used, but remember to rinse the deck thoroughly in spring to wash away any residue before sunlight bakes it in.
CLEANING
Organic Debris
Regularly remove wet leaves, soil, sap, bird feeder debris or other organic debris before it sits too long, as these can stain or mark the vinyl.
PREVENTION
Scuffs and Wear
Normal foot traffic won’t harm your deck, but avoid dragging items that may cause scuffs or wear the printed finish. For areas with heavy use, consider solid colors that better conceal wear over time.
REFRESH
Re-Coating
If your vinyl deck still performs well but looks worn or stained, recoating may be an option. A specially formulated coating can restore a fresh, solid color while retaining the emboss texture. Learn more.
Tackling Tough Stains
Duradek Vinyl Cleaner is the best option for regular and deep cleaning—even for most tough stains. However, if you’re dealing with something particularly stubborn, the alternative solutions below may help.
Important: These methods are at your own risk and must only be used when the vinyl is cool to the touch and out of direct sunlight. Some cleaners can leave residue or damage the surface if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, test in an inconspicuous area first, and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
Stain
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Ink or Permanent Marker* **
B
C
–
–
Cedar*
B
F
–
–
Chewing Gum
D
A
B
–
Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate
B
–
–
–
Crayon or Wax
D
B
–
–
Grease**
D
B
H
–
Garden Soil
A
B
–
–
Ketchup
A
B
–
–
Latex Paint**
A
B
K
–
Lipstick
A
B
–
–
Mildew or Wet Leaves*
C
A
B
–
Mold and Fungi
G
–
–
–
Motor Oil
B
H
–
–
Oil Based Paint (Dried)
D
A
B
K
Oil Based Paint (Fresh)**
D
B
–
–
Pitch or Sap
B
I
J
–
Rust
E
–
–
–
Shoe Polish* **
D
B
–
–
Spray Paint**
B
–
–
–
Suntan Lotion* **
A
B
–
–
Tar/Ashphalt
D
A
B
I
Mustard
A
B
C
–
Stain Removal Methods
A: Apply warm, soapy water for a few minutes to let the chemical action of the cleaner begin to “loosen” the dirt. Scrub with a relatively stiff bristle scrub brush in a north-south direction for a few minutes. Scrub in an east-west direction for a few minutes. Rinse well, let dry.
B: FANTASTIK spray cleaner, Simple Green, or Formula 409 All-Purpose spray cleaner (only for a few minutes) water rinse/dry; or Cascade Powdered Dish Detergent with water, water rinse/dry.
C: One (1) tablespoon ammonia to one (1) quart water; water rinse/dry.
D: Wipe or scrape off excess (chill gum with ice).
E: Duradek Vinyl Cleaner gets the best results. Rust is very difficult to remove and should be cleaned immediately.
F: Sun exposure over time will fade this stain type.
G: One-third (1/3) cup ammonia free powered household detergent, four (4) cups household liquid bleach, two-thirds (2/3) cup Trisodium Phosphate, Twelve (12) cups water; OR Clorox Outdoor bleach at One (1) part bleach to Six (6) parts water. Use rubber gloves with these options. Rinse well with water immediately.
H: Citrus based engine cleaner, water rinse/dry.
I: Citrus based asphalt & tar remover, water rinse/dry.
J: Spray Aqua Net Hairspray directly onto the pitch or sap mark, then wipe off, water rinse well/dry with a lint-free cloth.
K: Apply a coating of hand sanitizer to the paint with enough coverage to keep the area moist for 5-15 minutes. Wipe it off with a rag or soft bristle brush. Re-apply as required; water rinse/dry.
*Note: Some substances like suntan lotions, wet leaves, cedar, rubber, and permanent markers can cause permanent stains.
**Note: Follow instructions of staining agent manufacturer.
Do Not Use
Never clean your Duradek surface with undiluted bleach, acetone, turpentine, lacquer thinner, ketone, acids, or paint removers. These can damage or remove the vinyl print. Always dab gently, not rub, and rinse thoroughly.
Additional Support
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